An Absolute Beginner’s Guide to House Washing
Just because you can’t see the dirt and grime on the exterior of your home doesn’t mean it’s not there. The accumulated dirt isn’t a reflection of your home maintenance ability, it just happens. Like it or not, your house is always exposed to the unpredictable elements. But that doesn’t mean you have to sit idly by as grime dulls your beautiful home. Instead, you can use a pressure washer to remove years of dirt and bring your home’s exterior back to life. Sounds easy enough, right? Hold up. There’s a caveat. House pressure washers can cause damage if you don’t know what you’re doing. It’s important to do your homework before getting started, and if you’ve never used a pressure washer, you’ve come to the right place. In this helpful guide, we’ll explore the different types of house pressure washers and the type of nozzles needing to be used, general house power washing safety tips, and which surfaces can be cleaned using this maintenance technique. Keep reading for a crash course in house power washing!
To Use a Gas House Power Washer
House pressure washers work by using a pump to increase the pressure of water flowing through the attached hose, and that pump can be powered by gas or by electricity. Like many things, there are pros and cons to both. Gas powered washers typically provide higher PSI and GPM than the electric version. That extra power means they clean surfaces much more quickly. Gas-powered pressure washers can produce a wide range of PSI and GPM levels. Not only can they clean faster and more efficiently than electric models, but you’ll have more options. Gas pressure washers are cordless. If you aren’t near a power outlet, you’ll still be able to work. Now with that being said, gas engines—even small ones—require consistent maintenance. You’ll need to periodically change the oil and make sure you use the proper fuel additives if you plan to store the machine for an extended period of time. Gasoline engines are louder than electric engines. Plus, they produce emissions. Also, you should never use a gas-powered pressure washer indoors or in covered spaces.
To Use an Electric House Power Washer
Electric washers can be more convenient than their gas-powered peers in some circumstances. Plus, you don’t have to worry about gas fumes. Electric pressure washers do not produce harmful emissions. If you had to, you could use one indoors—though you would want hearing protection and a reliable way to remove the water. An electric engine means you don’t have to worry about oil changes and other maintenance tasks. As I said, there are cons as well. An electric pressure washer simply cannot produce the power of a gas-powered model. If you need to clean a large or especially dirty area, an electric pressure washer will take much longer to complete the job. (And you may not see the results you hoped for.) Because they require a power outlet, electric pressure washers are not as portable as gasoline versions.
Which Nozzle is Best For House Washing
While the size of the house pressure washer’s engine determines the machine’s overall power, the nozzle you choose determines the angle of the water stream, and the angle is important because it affects what the water stream can do. (A narrow angle spray is more powerful than a large angle spray.) Luckily, pressure washer nozzles are universally color-coded, and each color determines the angle size, from narrow to wide. For even more efficient cleaning, consider using an attachment that was designed specifically for the job you need to complete. There are quite a few specialized nozzle attachments to achieve a beautiful facade, ranging from a turbo nozzle able to produce a zero-degree water stream, to a pressure washing broom and an extendable wand.
Safety Importance When House Washing
House pressure washing can be a messy job, and dangerous if it isn’t done correctly. It’s incredibly important to take the time to adequately prepare. Here are some safety tips easily recommended for beginners and pros alike. Pressure washers are LOUD. Plus, the high pressure of the water means debris and water will spray back toward you, so always be sure to wear eye and hearing protection. Until you gain confidence with the pressure washer, hold the wand securely with both hands so that it won’t fly out of your grip and keep the spray tip approximately 18 inches away from the surface you’re cleaning to minimize the risk of damage. If you’re thinking about power washing siding, or any other painted surface, that was painted before 1978, don’t. Contact a professional house power washing company in Tampa, Fl instead. Old paint can flake off when pressure washed, and we all know paint from before 1978 may contain lead. Lead paint chips and dust are dangerous when inhaled or accidentally ingested, so make sure you’re keeping you, your family, and your pets safe, first and foremost.
Surfaces House Washing Can Handle
House pressure washing is a fantastic way to bring any wooden deck or fence back to life. As a bonus, it’s also a project easily completed in a weekend. Who doesn’t like an instantly updated entertainment area, or backyard overhaul? Not only that, but any concrete driveway, walkways or patio stand NO chance against the elemental water power of a pressure washing! Siding, especially vinyl siding, windows and gutters are prone to dulling and mildew growth. Luckily, the best way to brighten your home’s exterior is, you guessed it, a thorough house pressure washing!
The Bottom Line
If instant gratification is your thing when it comes to cleaning and home maintenance, you may find house pressure washing to be very fulfilling. On the other hand, you may decide that pressure washing is just too much hassle. And that’s okay! It’s a dirty job, and you’re virtually guaranteed to get soaking wet. If you’d rather let someone else take care of the pressure washing, contact a professional house power washer in Tampa, Fl for help. With some water and a little elbow grease, your home will be as clean on the outside as it is on the inside!
